The Artificial Intelligence (AI) revolution is reshaping the business landscape in India. For both startups and established firms, the challenge lies not just in adopting AI but in integrating it effectively into existing processes to derive measurable value.
A recent discussion, part of Mint’s ‘All About AI’ series sponsored by Salesforce, brought together leaders from Salesforce, Deloitte, and Accenture. The consensus was clear: with the right partners and a strategic mindset, India is well-positioned to make significant strides in AI adoption.
The Indian Ecosystem
India’s strength in the global AI landscape is driven by its vast talent pool. With around 9.8 million STEM students graduating annually, India is a major hub for global tech talent. This talent is crucial as partners, such as System Integrators (SIs) and advisory firms, play a pivotal role in translating AI platforms into tailored solutions for both domestic and international markets.
The Role of Partners
Advisory firms see themselves as essential orchestrators, helping clients navigate the complexities of AI adoption. They assist in clearly defining the problems AI can solve and translating powerful platform technologies into tangible business outcomes.
Experts emphasize that no single entity can manage the entire transformation journey alone. Collaboration is key, and platforms like Salesforce are essential for successful strategy execution.
The Urgency of Disruption
Indian enterprises face the challenge of navigating legacy systems and entrenched mindsets. However, the urgency to adopt AI is clear. Businesses recognize that the period of disruption is shrinking rapidly, and they must disrupt themselves before being disrupted by others.
The Human Element
The human factor is critical in the AI era. Leaders stress the importance of sponsorship and commitment from leadership to communicate the benefits of AI to employees. The focus is on upskilling and reskilling the workforce to adapt to new technologies, rather than fearing job losses.
India’s Unique Advantage
India has shown a knack for rapidly adopting new technologies, as seen with mobile telephony and UPI. This ability to leapfrog traditional barriers positions India favorably for AI adoption. Enterprises are already making strides, with some grappling with data quality but aiming to leapfrog generations ahead.
Experts suggest four key actions for businesses to capitalize on this opportunity:
- Lead with Value: Focus on clear business cases and measurable returns.
- Rewire the Organization: Integrate AI into core processes.
- Adopt Agentic AI: Develop capabilities for autonomous AI systems.
- Get Data Ready: Ensure a robust data backbone for AI adoption.
Defining the AI Era
The panelists shared their visions for AI’s impact. Some highlighted augmented intelligence, enhancing human creativity, while others saw AI as the future, promising exciting opportunities for the next generation. Overall, AI is seen as a tool of endless possibilities.
While every industry will face change, the transformation offers Indian businesses a competitive edge on the global stage.
